Truex goes into championship race as favorite to win title

AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kevin Harvick wasted zero time in leveling the first volley in NASCAR's championship race.

In Harvick's opinion, he's playing with house money when he races Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski next Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the title. It's Truex, Harvick believes, who faces all the pressure.

"Martin has won a lot of races this year," Harvick said. "Those guys have dominated the year, and I feel like if they don't win at this point, they would probably feel like they've had a letdown.

"It's a lot of fun coming from behind and playing catch up and kind of playing that underdog role is much easier than being expected to go down there and win. We expect to win.